Alabama Legend Nick Saban Reacts to Ty Simpson Decision
The moment certainly caught a lot of people off guard, and that included some of the most respected voices in football. When the Los Angeles Rams used the No. 13 overall pick on former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson, it instantly became one of the defining surprises of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Not long after, Alabama legend Nick Sabanreacted to the decision, offering insight that added context to a move many around the league were still processing.
Simpson's rise into the first round had been a topic of debate leading into draft night. While his production at Alabama showed flashes of high-level quarterback play, there were still questions about experience and long-term projection.
That is what made the Rams' decision stand out even more, especially for a franchise that has built its recent success by prioritizing proven talent over long-term development.
Nick Saban on ESPN talks Ty Simpson going to the Rams: "I think it's a perfect scenario for him."
— Nick Kelly (@_NickKelly) April 24, 2026
Why the Rams Made the Move
From a roster-building perspective, the selection begins to make more sense when looking at the bigger picture. Matthew Stafford remains the starter and is still playing at a high level, but his future is far from certain beyond the next season. At 38 years old and on a year-to-year timeline, the Rams are clearly preparing for what comes next.
That is where Simpson fits in. The organization now has a quarterback it can develop behind a Super Bowl-winning veteran, allowing him to learn the system without immediate pressure. It is a strategy that mirrors what successful teams have done in the past when planning for a transition at the most important position on the field.
Nick Saban's Perspective Means A Lot
When Saban speaks about a former player, people listen. His track record at Alabama includes developing quarterbacks who understand timing, decision-making, and how to operate within complex offensive systems. Simpson's selection reflects those traits, even if they were not always fully showcased during his college career.
Saban's reaction reinforced a key point. The value of a quarterback is not always about what he has already done, but what he can become in the right situation. In Los Angeles, Simpson walks into one of the more stable environments in the league, with a proven head coach in Sean McVay, and a roster capable of competing now.
What This Means Moving Forward
The Rams did not draft Simpson to play immediately. This is about patience and long-term planning. Still, the expectations will follow him because of where he was selected.
For now, Simpson's role is crystal clear. Learn from Stafford, adjust to the speed of the NFL, and prepare for the moment when the franchise turns to him. That moment might not come this season, but the decision shows that the Rams believe it is coming sooner rather than later.
Saban's reaction only adds to that belief. When a coach with his resume sees the fit, football people tend to listen.
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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 5:07 AM.